When I first discovered Dentrix Perio Charting Shortcuts, it completely transformed our hygiene workflow management. If you’re a hygienist or practice manager, you understand the challenge: perio charting is essential but often feels impossible to fit into a packed schedule. Thankfully, Dentrix Perio Charting Shortcuts provided the practical solution we needed, streamlining processes and significantly improving our efficiency.
Listen to full episode on SoundCloud
Listen full episode on Apple Podcast
Why is Perio Charting Essential?
During a consulting session at a practice in Augusta, Georgia, I noticed something troubling. After remotely reviewing their Dentrix software, I couldn’t find a single digital perio chart. Upon arrival, hygienists admitted they simply “didn’t have time” for thorough charting. My immediate reaction was clear: skipping perio charting isn’t negotiable—it is vital for patient care and accurate clinical documentation.
How Dentrix Shortcuts Solved Our Workflow Challenges
Introducing Dentrix Perio Charting Shortcuts immediately tackled our workflow issues. Initially, we identified administrative tasks unnecessarily performed by hygienists, reallocating them to the admin team. This small change allowed our hygienists to focus solely on critical clinical tasks, including comprehensive perio charting.
Customizing Your Perio Charting with Dentrix
One significant benefit of Dentrix Perio Charting Shortcuts is the ability to create custom perio scripts. Every hygienist charts differently—whether quadrant-based or full-mouth—Dentrix allows hygienists to personalize scripts to match their preferred workflow. This customization drastically reduces navigation time and enhances overall efficiency.
Essential Dentrix Keyboard Shortcuts You Need
Dentrix keyboard shortcuts are one of the most impactful tools we’ve integrated:
- B for bleeding
- S for suppuration (pus)
- F for furcation involvement (graded 0–4)
- L for bone loss (graded 0–3)
- M for mobility (graded 0–3)
- P for plaque levels (graded 0–3)
These shortcuts significantly cut down on clicking, making perio charting quicker and more intuitive. Even if your practice hasn’t updated to the latest Dentrix version with the “Bleeding All” button, these shortcuts can drastically improve your productivity.
Streamlined Documentation with Dentrix
Another helpful tool is the integrated data entry panel in Dentrix Perio Charting. Hygienists can quickly document clinical observations such as gingival color, calculus levels, and plaque using convenient dropdown menus. While I advocate detailed clinical notes, Dentrix’s built-in documentation tools provide an excellent reference, particularly useful for insurance submissions.
My favorite feature is the “Copy to Clipboard” button within the Dentrix exam information panel. With one click, hygienists effortlessly transfer comprehensive perio exam details into clinical notes, significantly reducing redundant documentation efforts.
Updated Periodontal Classification and Health Risk Documentation
Dentrix recently upgraded their perio charting module, including current periodontitis staging and grading classifications, and additional health risk factors like tobacco use and elevated HbA1c levels. Accurate documentation of these details within Dentrix supports effective communication with insurance providers, enhancing claim approval rates for crucial treatments such as scaling and root planing.
Ready to Transform Your Hygiene Workflow?
Integrating Dentrix Perio Charting Shortcuts dramatically enhanced productivity, accuracy, and patient care in our practice. If your hygienists are struggling with perio charting or looking to improve documentation efficiency, Dentrix shortcuts could be the perfect solution.
